Designed as a strike fighter for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Mitsubishi F-2 was first flown on October 7, 1995. Manufactured with a 60/40 split between Japan and the US, the F-2 is a cooperative production effort between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Based on an enlarged version of the F-16 (known as the Agile Falcon), the F-2 replaced the aging Mitsubishi F-1. The Japanese ordered 94 F-2s between 2000 and 2008, and in July of 2010 ordered an additional 50. Armed with ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, this capable aircraft can also carry 500lb bombs and drop tanks with a 4,400kg fuel capacity.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale Mitsubishi F-2 is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which allows for the greatest possible detail. Among this model's most remarkable features are an articulating hinged opening canopy that closes with almost no visible gap, a large number of pad-printed flight instruments, landing gear that has been constructed as subassemblies for easy configuration and a rudder and engine intake that are accurately replicated in plastic. The solid metal wing features wingtip mounted sidewinder missiles, delicate static wicks on the trailing edge and a full complement of removable ordnance and fuel tanks.